This policy statement focuses on educators' responsibility to provide programs that meet the needs of young children and their families. The statement is a call to action, urging the development of direct, creative, and expanded assistance that would not only help individual families, but would also be sound national policy. Listed are principles underlying recommended strategies. Strategies described include: (1) providing high-quality early childhood services to all children, with a concentration of public resources on programs for children at risk; (2) strengthening capacities of families; (3) assuring standards of quality for early childhood programs; and (4) collaborating to provide comprehensive services to young children and families. Concluding remarks assert that chief state school officers are ready to join with families, colleagues, policymakers, and the public to implement these strategies. (RH)